Options for copying

- There are many ways to duplicateand copy objects in Tinkercad.Each method has its own pros and cons,so let's explore them all.So, option one, is just using standard copy and paste.Let's start by dragging a box into the work plane,and then I actually want to make sure to justline it up to the major grid lines.So, standard copy/paste are availableup here under the "Edit" menu,but you can also use the standard shortcut commands,which is either "Command" or "Control + C" for copyand "Command" or "Control + V" for paste.

I'm going to choose to "Copy," and then "Edit," "Paste."Note that that box was copied at 10 millimeters to the rightI'll do it again using the keyboard shortcuts;I'll hit "Command" or "Control + V" to do it again.Now, I'm going to orbit around and try it againI'll hit "Command + V", "Command + V" again,orbit around, and do it one more time.See how that placement changes depending on your view?Now, you can also use copy and pasteto copy different objects between Tinkercad projects,I'll go up to "Design," mouse over "New"and then, instead of clicking,I'm actually going to right click,and then choose "Open Link in New Tab."I'm going to copy one of these boxes,and then choose to paste it in the new document.

Alright, I'll close this new document,go back to the original, select allthose objects and choose delete.So, our second option; we can use the "Alt" or "Option" keyto make duplicates while moving or rotating objects.So, let me drag a pyramid into the space,I'm going to hold down the "Alt" or "Option" key,and then drag out the cylinders, if I was going to move it,you can see that it creates a duplicate, second copy.The other option, is to hold down that Alt/Option keywhile rotating with those curvy rotate grips,to create a duplicate rotated copy.

Okay, let's delete these objects.Our third option: we can use "Duplicate"or "Paste in Place," and both ofthese commands really do, essentially, the same task.Let's start with a cylinder,let's try "Paste in Place" first.So, there's no menu option for this command,we have to use the shortcut keys.So, first, we use "Command" or "Control + C" to copyand then "Command" or "Control,"also hold down the shift key, and "V" to paste in place.Do you see that really brief, sort of yellow/green flashwhere the blue effluxion helo usually is?That's an indication that we just copieda copy of our cylinder right on topof the one that's in the workspace.

You can actually tap the arrow keys to moveit over and assure that it's actually there.Now, our second option is to use "Duplicate"and there is a menu option for this.So, if we just go up to "Edit," "Duplicate"you see that same flash again,so if we use the arrow keys, we actually seethat we have another copy thatwas hiding under our original.Alright, so the last option for duplicatingis actually duplicating the entire design document.So, if I go up to the Design Menu,mouse over "Duplicate" and click with the right mouse buttonand choose "Open Link in a New Tab."If I click on my new tab, you can seethat I actually have a new copy of my design drawing.

And this is a great way to keepprevious versions of a design.Perhaps, if you're planning to make drastic changes,that way you can go back to the original without an issue.Or maybe in a case where you'd liketo make two similar variations of the same design.So, overall, that's a lot of copying options,and you want to keep them at your fingertips,so you can pick the right operation for your project.

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Released

7/21/2015

Tinkercad is the free online app that makes it easy for anyone to create models for 3D printing. This is the course that will help you learn it. Join Kacie Hultgren as she walks through the basics of 3D modeling in Tinkercad, from adding and grouping 3D shapes to creating and duplicating patterns. She'll show how to use features like the Ruler and the Mirror tool, work with shape generators, and import existing 2D and 3D assets when you don't want to start from scratch.

This is a great first course for those who are new to 3D, but for those who want to learn more about the printing side, check out Kacie's companion course, Up and Running with 3D Printing.